John R. Prokopchak

John R. Prokopchak, 79. of Butler passed away Saturday April 24, 2021 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. The Lord called him home in a peaceful manner with his family by his side.

John was born November 28, 1941 in Butler.

He retired from the Butler Area School District in 2007, following 39 years service as a Teacher and 

Reading Specialist. Over the years John worked at all 11 elementary schools the district. He also taught at the Butler County  Community College and Slippery Rock University. He brought out the best in his students through his dedication to teaching mixed with his quick-witted humor. 

He was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of St. John the Baptist Byzantine Church in Lyndora.

John was highly active in the community. He was a member of the Slovak Sokal Club in Lyndora, the Lyndora American Legion Post #778, the Italian Club, the French and Belgium Club, the R.C. Men's Club and the Butler Elks where he served as Exalted Ruler and was a Past District Deputy of Pennsylvania West.

He was a tremendous supporter of the youth sports. John was inducted into the Butler Football Hometown Heroes for his years of service as the team statistician.  He also enjoyed golfing, playing billiards, hunting, fishing, antiquing at various flea markets, and taking his chance of scratch-off-tickets. Most of all he especially enjoyed his time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchild. Family was the heart of John's life. He was proud and honored to be the patriarch, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to  his large family. He was a major presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren and made them who they are today.

This humble, loving, caring, and wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on his family's hearts and will be supremely missed by his wife and best friend of 57 years.

Surviving is his wife, Jane (McGregor) Prokopchak whom he married June 22, 1963.

His four children: Richard (Karrie) Prokopchak of Columbus, OH, Rhonda (Jim) Meehan of Freeport, Rachel (Greg) Faulk of Butler and Tom (Tammy) Prokopchak of Mansfield, OH.

Seven grandchildren: Jakeb, Hannah, Madison, Colin, Abby, Katie and Julia.

One great-grandchild, Ari.

Numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, “Jake” Prokopchak.

Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham St. Butler, PA 16001 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday. Funeral Services will be private.

Donations are requested to be made to The Elks Home Services, PA Elks Major Projects, INC. 703 Goergian Place, Somerset, PA 15501.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John R. Prokopchak, please visit our floral store.